In 1981 Andrea Menghetti taught English in a small Italian town, traveled throughout Italy and fell in love with the creativity and artistry of the Italian people. Upon returning to Berkeley, California, a year later she realized that her fondness of Italy was not a passing fancy, but something that would become a life long interest.

By the early 90's Andrea was importing and distributing a wide range of Venetian glass. Responding to customer requests for casual elegance, something unique, yet versatile to be worn day and evening, she mixed handmade Venetian glass beads with sterling silver, gold fill, Austrian crystals and other unique ornamentation to give the jewelry a modern, updated look. Andrea loves the vivid colors of Venetian glass and now surrounds herself with thousands of beads in her Pacific Grove , California, studio where she designs and makes jewelry.

Many of the Venetian glass beads are created with gold, silver and copper foil which gives them the luminous quality for which they are so famous.